Gooey Butter Bars
Gooey Butter Bars bake with yellow cake mix butter cream cheese powdered sugar eggs and vanilla for soft buttery dessert squares with a creamy top. They are a dependable party sweet and make-ahead family treat when you need a rich bar dessert that slices well after cooling.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand Mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 18.25 ounce package yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 4 large eggs divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Stir the yellow cake mix melted butter and 1 egg together until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to make the bottom crust.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth then mix in powdered sugar vanilla and the remaining 3 eggs.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mix crust.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is softly set.
- Cool completely before lifting from the pan and cutting into bars.
Notes
Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days because of the cream cheese layer.
Freezing: Freeze cooled bars in a sealed freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 2 months.
Best Tips: Do not overbake the center. It should look softly set and will firm as the bars cool.
Texture Tips: Cool fully before slicing so the gooey top settles and the crust holds together.
Variations: Try chocolate chips lemon zest chopped pecans or a different cake mix flavor for a new dessert tray option.
Serving Ideas: Cut into small squares for parties bake sales holidays or family dessert plates.